Seachem Pristine 100 mL — Bio-Augmenting Bacteria for Aquarium Detritus

Seachem Pristine 100 mL is a natural bacterial conditioner that improves water quality through bioaugmentation —a completely chemical-free method that introduces bacterial strains specialized in breaking down solid organic matter. Where traditional biological filtration treats dissolved compounds, Pristine targets what it doesn't: accumulated detritus, biofilm on rocks and substrate, leftover food, surface grease, and the organic matter that fuels nuisance growth in your aquarium.

The 100 mL size is perfect for nano aquariums, quarantine tanks and observation tanks — or as a trial size to discover the benefits of Pristine before moving to a larger size.

Bio-Augmentation — A Different Approach

The bacterial strains in Pristine are fundamentally different from the nitrifying bacteria in Stability. Stability targets dissolved nitrogen compounds (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates). Pristine targets solid organic matter —detritus, sludge, biofilm, surface grease, and food residues. The two products are complementary and can be used together for comprehensive water quality management.

What distinguishes Pristine bacteria:

• Adaptability: unlike classic nitrifying bacteria that require a specific environment, Pristine strains survive and multiply even in harsh or low-oxygen conditions
• Broad organic spectrum: capable of degrading a wide range of organic compounds, including greases that form unsightly films on the surface
• Biopolymers: Established colonies produce biopolymers that trap suspended particles — a direct benefit to water clarity
• Freshwater and marine environments: the strains function in both environments without adaptation required.

When to Use Seachem Pristine

• Accumulation of debris: loaded substrate, clogged sump, dead zones in the sump or filter
• Biofilm on rocks and decorations: brown or greyish organic deposits on surfaces
• Surface oily films: surface fats disrupt gas exchange and are directly degraded by Pristine
• Organic overload: following accidental overfeeding, mortality, or a temporary biological imbalance
• After drug treatment: antibiotics destroy the bacterial fauna — Pristine helps to reconstitute organotrophic strains (after removing antibiotic residues with activated charcoal)

Seachem Official Usage Protocol

• Shake vigorously before use
• Turn off UV and ozone before dosing.
• Initial dose: 5 mL (1 capful) per 40 litres
• Maintenance dose: 5 mL per 80 litres — when adding new specimens, after cleaning the biofilter, or after medication treatment
• UV/ozone: wait 2 to 3 days after dosing before restarting them to allow bacterial colonies to establish themselves.
• Antibiotics: remove residues with fresh activated charcoal + change the water before dosing Pristine
• Shelf life: 4 years from the date of manufacture (date printed on the bottle)

Yield of the 100 mL format

• 40-liter nano aquarium: approximately 20 maintenance doses — a size well-suited for several months of regular maintenance
• 200-liter aquarium: approximately 4 maintenance doses — ideal supplement size